Do you have breath that can clear a room? Halitosis, the medical term for bad breath, is a common complaint. Some estimates claim that as many as 25% of people suffer from regular bad breath. However, all that doesn’t make bad breath any less embarrassing. You may have already resigned yourself to the fact of bad breath. In fact, halitosis is often just one symptom of a deeper problem. Our dental office treats bad breath in Arlington Heights, IL. We can help patients manage their halitosis and reverse bad breath in our office.
What Causes Bad Breath?
There are multiple causes of halitosis that we can pinpoint and treat in our office. The top causes of halitosis include:
Dental Infections and Gum Disease
Gum disease and tooth decay are just that: decay. Like any other form of decay, they can stink. Gum and tooth decay are most often symptoms of poor oral hygiene at home; with proper care, mild decay can be stopped in its tracks. Many patients who do not floss or brush properly are prone to tooth and gum infections.
Thrush
This fungal yeast infection can affect the inside of the mouth. Thrush manifests visibly as small white or yellowish bumps on the tongue or inside of the cheek. Although thrush is essentially harmless, it is can be painful and embarrassing. Babies and those with an immune deficiency are more likely to show signs of thrush.
Dry Mouth
Believe it or not, spit is a key part of keeping your mouth naturally clean. Without enough saliva, your mouth can’t clean itself. Saliva helps wash away food debris. Dry mouth also increases the likelihood of bacterial infection. Patients who do not drink enough water, take certain medications, or have medical conditions like diabetes and autoimmune diseases are more likely to develop dry mouth.
Treating Bad Breath in Arlington Heights, IL
In most cases, bad breath comes down to poor lifestyle choices. Dr. Brent Engelberg frequently recommends lifestyle changes and a more vigorous oral health care regimen at home. Brushing and flossing twice a day can keep patient’s breath fresh and teeth and gums healthy. In some cases, professional cleanings or treatments may be in order. We can provide deep cleaning treatments for patients with gingivitis and periodontitis. Removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums improves breath and prevents the spread of bacterial infection.
Typically, antifungal medication is effective for problems like thrush. Drinking water regularly can combat dry mouth, along with chewing sugar-free gum or lozenges. Some patients may have bad breath due to other health problems or medication. In this case, we may work with your physician to resolve the issue.
Bad breath doesn’t have to be a life sentence. At AH Smiles, we have the solutions to target the cause of your halitosis. Schedule a dental consultation with our team on our website. You can also call Dr. Brent Engelberg at (847) 230-9703. Let us know if you have questions about your symptoms or treatment. We are always here to help.